How to Optimize Chase Freedom, Discover it Cash Back for Q2 2022

Bonus rewards in broad and inclusive spending categories make these cards useful cash-back tools this quarter.
Funto Omojola
By Funto Omojola 
Updated
Edited by Erin Hurd

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Spring is in the air, and so are Chase and Discover’s Q2 cash-back categories. This quarter, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and select Discover cards like the Discover it® Cash Back can help you save, whether you’re venturing outdoors or spending from the couch.

From April 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022, eligible cards will earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly spending in the following categories (once you activate them):

Chase Freedom Flex
NerdWallet rating 
Discover it® Cash Back
NerdWallet rating 

Chase Freedom Flex℠

  • Amazon.com.

  • Select streaming services.

Discover it® Cash Back and select Discover cards

  • Gas stations.

  • Target.

Both cards earn 1% back on all other non-bonus category spending.

Chase cardholders must activate categories online by June 14 to earn the elevated rate, which can be earned retroactively. For eligible Discover cards, holders will earn bonus rewards from the date on which they activate categories online.

Here’s how to maximize your rewards with these cards this spring.

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Let the goods come to you

If you value the convenience of virtually adding to your cart over strolling through aisles, you can earn big by shopping with Amazon this quarter. Eligible cardholders can earn 5% cash back on Amazon purchases — up to the combined quarterly cap — including Prime subscriptions, gift cards purchased on Amazon.com, digital downloads and items sold by third-party merchants through Amazon.com's marketplace.

Amazon’s wide berth of merchandise makes it easy to earn bonus rewards regardless of how you spend. And for those who spend a large chunk of their budget on groceries, this bonus category can be particularly beneficial because Amazon Fresh orders will also be eligible for 5% cash back.

If you don’t think you’ll be able to max out the category before the quarter ends, you can still take advantage of your card’s elevated rate by stocking up on Amazon gift cards now to use later.

Start a new series (or two) to binge

Many are cutting their cable cords and opting to stream their favorite shows instead. If this is you, through the end of June, you can earn 5% back when you use your eligible Chase card to pay for a variety of streaming services including Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, Netflix, Sling, Apple Music, SiriusXM, Spotify, YouTube TV and more.

Plus, the issuer has recently added more streaming options like HBO Max, Apple TV, Paramount+, Peacock and Showtime, which were not previously offered as part of the category, and which make for more opportunities to earn bonus cash back for your streaming habits.

To ensure that you don’t miss out on earning elevated rewards, consider adding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ as your payment method for any eligible streaming services that you use.

Chase Freedom® and Chase Freedom Flex℠ bonus rewards categories for 2024

Q1 (Jan. 1-March 31)

  • Grocery stores.

  • Fitness clubs and gym memberships.

  • Self-care and spa services.

Q2 (April 1-June 30)

  • Select hotel bookings.*

  • Restaurants.

  • Amazon.com.

Q3 (July 1-Sept. 30)

  • TBD (In 2023: gas stations and electric vehicle charging; select live entertainment).

Q4 (Oct. 1-Dec. 31)

  • TBD (In 2023: PayPal; wholesale clubs; select charities).

*Includes bookings made directly with the hotel and prepaid bookings through Chase's travel portal.

Discover it® Cash Back and other eligible Discover cards

Get out on the road

Rising gas prices may have you rethinking a cross-country road trip. But the good news is that your eligible Discover card can be especially valuable for maximizing rewards at the pump over the next three months. With this category, you’ll be rewarded for gas purchases as well as spending done in attached fuel station convenience stores (as long as they are classified under the same merchant category code). This means that gas station road trip snacks may earn you bonus rewards as well.

However, note that gas stations associated with wholesale clubs, supermarkets and supercenters won’t be eligible for the card’s elevated cash back, according to the issuer. So if you fill up at a Kroger gas station, for example, you won’t earn 5% cash back like you would at a Sunoco.

Stock up on essentials and nonessentials alike

If Target is your happy place, Discover might make it even harder for you to leave the store by rewarding you for spending there this quarter. Eligible cardholders will earn bonus cash back for purchases made with the retailer, including those made in-store, at Target.com and through the Target app.

Target’s extensive array of merchandise, which includes appliances, clothing, groceries and more, makes it easy to get all your spending needs covered in one place. Plus, the retailer also offers same-day delivery and curbside pickup for orders made online or through the app.

If you have both the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and an eligible Discover card, you might consider using both to maximize your grocery rewards by shopping for foodstuffs through Amazon and Target this quarter. But note that even if grocery spending takes up the largest chunk of your budget, you might find it difficult to max out both $1,500 spending caps. But like with Amazon, you can stock up on gift cards sold through the retailer to earn your card’s bonus rate now, and use them later on.

Discover bonus rewards categories for 2024

Q1 (Jan. 1–March 31)

  • Restaurants.

  • Drugstores.

Q2 (April 1–June 30)

  • Gas stations/EV charging stations.

  • Home improvement stores.

  • Public transit.

Q3 (July 1–Sept. 30)

  • TBD (In 2023: Gas stations; digital wallets).

Q4 (Oct. 1–Dec. 31)

  • TBD (In 2023: Amazon, Target).

Chase Cards from our Partners
Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card

on Chase's website

Chase Freedom Unlimited®
5.0
NerdWallet Rating
Rewards rate

1.5%-6.5%

Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Cashback

Intro offer

$300

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

on Chase's website

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
5.0
NerdWallet Rating
Rewards rate

1x-5x

5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

Points

Intro offer

60,000

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Points
Chase Freedom Flex

on Chase's website

Chase Freedom Flex℠
5.0
NerdWallet Rating
Rewards rate

1%-5%

Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Earn 5% on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

See more Chase cards

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